Zimmerman defense begins depositions of prosecution witnesses

George Zimmerman’s defense team has begun deposing prosecution witnesses for his second degree murder case in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman faces a charge of second degree murder for the February shooting.

One of the most significant depositions for the defense will likely be that of the FDLE crime lab analyst that conducted DNA testing on evidence such as Zimmerman’s gun, holster, flashlight and Trayvon Martin’s clothing. Zimmerman said that Martin reached for his gun before the fatal shooting; however, the DNA results failed to find any evidence of Trayvon Martin’s DNA on Zimmerman’s gun.

A deposition is an examination of a witness, under oath, outside of a courtroom, which is recorded by a certified court reporter. This is a routine but significant part of the defense process that allows the defense attorneys to question the prosecution’s witnesses under oath before trial begins. The practical effect is to assist in fact gathering, preparing a defense and avoiding surprises at trial.

Defense attorney Mark O’Mara indicated in a court notice on Thursday that he had deposed several Florida Law Enforcement Officers. More depositions are sure to follow.

Ryan Kerns, Esq., Wild About Trial

Source: AP

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.